Rick Passarelli, Owner
Born in the Bronx, Rick Passarelli began his restaurant career at the side of his father who owned an Italian steakhouse on Long Island. Eager to branch out into the big city, Rick found his way in the late 70s and absorbed an immense amount of steakhouse knowledge by working at some of Manhattan's most famous steak palaces: Smith & Wollensky, The Palm, and Ben Benson's. Rick spends most of his workdays at the W. 50th Street and Park Avenue stores. Rick lives in Manhattan with his wife Deanna, goes to restaurants on his time off, and says he makes a good steak.

Joseph Smith, Owner
Born in Ireland, Joseph Smith was indoctrinated into the world of restaurants and hospitality at a young age. At 15, Joseph went to work for a 4-star hotel and followed that with a seven year stint aboard The Cunard Line of luxury cruise ships where he worked his way from waiter to catering officer. After countless dockings in NYC, Joseph decided to settle in America. He began working at Wednesday's (where he would meet his future partners) and went on to open and manage the Irish American Bar and Grill in Manhattan prior to becoming one of the co-owners of the Bobby Van's group of restaurants. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys playing tennis and discussing Irish politics.

Joe Phair, Owner
Born in Ireland, Joe Phair spent his young adulthood in the U.S. Armed Services. Once back in civilian life, Joe began his restaurant career at Alan Stillman's group of restaurants where he worked for the next 17 years and met his future partners, one of them being Rick Passarelli's father. In 1993 when the partners purchased the original Bobby Van's in Bridgehampton, Joe Phair found his new home. He has been at the helm of this venerable restaurant ever since. Joe lives in Bridgehampton with his wife Ann and baby sits his grandchildren on his time off, teaching them all how to make a good steak.

Joe Hickey, Owner
Born in New York, Joe Hickey is a career restaurateur, avowed carnivore and wine collector. After serving in Vietnam, Joe returned to New York and began working in restaurants, intending it only to be a “part-time” gig. Joe realized he had a natural affinity for this work and quickly worked his way into restaurant management. Joes' more than three decades of restaurant experience includes managing Smith & Wollensky and working at Wednesday's where he met his partners. Joe currently spends his time managing the Washington, DC locations. On his time off, Joes' interests remain centered on food and wine and he enjoys collecting first growth French Bordeaux magnums of American reserve cabernets and vintage ports.

John Stella, Executive Chef - Bridgehampton
Chef Stella spent the early part of his career in the kitchen of China Grill as a Sous Chef and then on to Smith & Wollensky where he was executive Sous Chef and was able to hone his culinary skills. Chef Stella helped open Smitth & Wollensky in Chicago, where he was also the head butcher and started their famed “Steaks To Go” program. Chef Stella worked at Zeppoli at TriBakery and City Wine & Cigar Bar before Joe Phair called him up in 1995 and asked him if he wanted to come out east. Chef Stella became the Executive Chef of Bobby Van's Bridgehampton location for the past nine years. Today, he is leading the kitchens of all the Bobby Van's locations by dividing his time between New York and Washington, DC.